Today we’d like to introduce you to Marelyn Correa.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Capturing the Beauty of New Beginnings.
First of all, I’m truly honored to be invited to share my story with Orlando Voyager. I think it’s so important to highlight the people working hard behind the scenes across Orlando and Kissimmee, it makes our community feel even more connected.
My love for photography started when I was just six years old, after my dad gave me my very first camera. Since then, photography has always been a part of my life in one way or another. I originally studied marketing in the University, but I took photography as an extracurricular subject, and that passion just kept growing.
I’m originally from Venezuela and was proud to be part of AVECOFA, the Venezuelan Photographers Association. About 12 years ago, I left my country and moved to Australia, where I studied photography and photo imaging at TAFE in Queensland. During my time there, I volunteered for many photography events and became a member of the AIPP, Australia’s Professional Photographers Association.
Eventually, life brought me to the United States. I moved to the Orlando-Kissimmee area about seven years ago with my husband, and from the very beginning, I’ve been working full-time in photography. I specialize in maternity, newborn, and baby photography because I feel a deep connection with that stage of life, t comes naturally to me, and I truly enjoy capturing those precious moments.
I can honestly say it’s been an amazing journey. I’ve been so lucky to work with the most wonderful clients, and my business has continued to grow steadily over the years. I’m also a proud member of the PPA (Professional Photographers of America), which has been such a supportive community. Through PPA, I’ve had the opportunity to participate in international photography competitions, and I’ve been honored to receive several awards, including this year, where I earned one gold, three silver, and three bronze awards in maternity and newborn photography.
Photography has taken me across continents, but my heart feels at home here in Central Florida. I’m so grateful for this journey and for everyone who has been part of it.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Definitely not a smooth road, but one full of growth, lessons, and resilience.
One of the biggest challenges in my journey was having to leave my home country due to political and economic instability. Starting over in a new place is never easy. I moved to Australia with my family, going from a Spanish-speaking country to a completely new culture, lifestyle, and language. At the beginning, the language barrier was a real struggle, learning to express myself in English while also trying to grow personally and professionally.
But that was just the first time. After several years in Australia, I had to start over again when I moved to the United States with my husband. Immigrating twice meant starting from scratch twice, learning new systems, adapting to new cultures, and figuring out how to run a small business in two very different countries. The photography industry and business environment can vary a lot from one place to another, so I had to adapt not only my art but also my entire business approach.
Throughout these 18 years of working in photography, first in Venezuela, then in Australia, and now in the U.S, I’ve been balancing my passion with the challenges of immigration, language, and entrepreneurship. At times, it was overwhelming, but it was absolutely worth it. Along the way, I also explored different types of photography, like landscapes during my time in Australia, which helped shape my artistic eye.
It’s been a road full of ups and downs, but today, I truly feel like I’m where I’m meant to be. I’ve found my place, and I’m incredibly grateful for everything I’ve learned through the journey.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I specialize in maternity, newborn, and baby photography, and this has truly become my passion and my purpose. I’m especially known for the way I connect with babies and children. There’s something special that happens during my sessions, something I can’t fully explain, but I believe I was born with a gift. I naturally connect with little ones, and my clients often say the same. If you read through my reviews, you’ll see that what people mention over and over is how gently and patiently I work with their babies, and how many smiles we’re able to capture together.
I’m also very proud of my creativity. Every setup in my studio has been thoughtfully created by me, from the themes and props to the tiny details that make each session unique. I currently have over 100 different cake smash setups, all designed by hand. I love crafting experiences that are tailored to each family and reflect their style and story.
What sets me apart, I believe, is the full-service experience I provide. My clients don’t have to worry about bringing anything with them, I take care of everything. The studio is fully equipped, clean, welcoming, and designed with both parents and babies in mind. I pay attention to every little detail to make sure families feel comfortable and stress-free from the moment they walk in.
My workflow is smooth and efficient, with everything prepared ahead of time. That way, sessions run naturally and never feel rushed. I also believe that great communication is key, so I guide my clients every step of the way, starting with a welcome guide that helps them feel ready, confident, and excited for their session.
Photography for me isn’t just about taking pictures, it’s about creating a beautiful, memorable experience for every family that steps into my studio.
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
Absolutely! I truly believe that continuing to learn and stay inspired is key to growth, both personally and professionally.
At the beginning of my photography journey in Australia, I was incredibly lucky to attend my first workshop with Kelly Brown. She’s been a huge influence on me, and I’ve followed her work ever since. Her videos and educational resources have guided me through many stages of my photography career, especially in newborn photography.
I also love the work of Lindsay Adler. Her Posing Guide for Photographers is one of my favorite books, it’s full of practical tips and has helped me so much in refining my posing techniques.
When it comes to podcast and YoutTube videos, I enjoy watching to Vanessa Joy. She’s primarily a wedding photographer, but she shares a lot of valuable insights about lighting and marketing that can apply to any photography business. Her way of teaching is very clear, and I always find something useful in every episode.
Here in the U.S., my greatest inspiration in newborn photography has been Claudia Aguilar. She’s more than just someone I look up to, she’s actually my mentor, and I’ve had the privilege of learning directly from her. Another photographer I admire is Diana Robles, who’s an active member of PPA. She’s a great example of creativity and professionalism in our industry.
Speaking of PPA (Professional Photographers of America), their resources are a big part of how I stay up to date. From blogs to webinars and competitions, they offer so much valuable information for photographers at every level.
All these voices and resources have helped shape the photographer, and person I am today.
Pricing:
- Cake Smash Sessions from $400
- Baby Sessions from $400
- Newborn Sessions from $600
- Maternity Session from $600
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.marelynphotography.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marelyncphotography/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/marelyncorreaphotography
Image Credits
Marelyn Correa Photography
